Palazzo Beccaguti Cavriani

A Mantova Palace Showcasing Contemporary Art and Classic Design Pieces

Offering two elegant suites within a grand palace of significant historical and artistic interest, this late 15th- and early 16th-century palace by Alessio Beccaguti, a military commander and civil engineer in the service of Francesco II and Federico II Gonzaga, offers a unique atmosphere in a lesser-known region between Mantua and its notable surroundings, including verdant Lake Garda and romantic Verona.

Suites

The Gallery Suite is located on the palace’s ground floor and is tailored for two, with one 1930s king-sized parchment bed, Charles Eames chairs in the living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. It’s hung with art by Nelio Sonego, Hiromi Masuda, Italo Bressan and Arthur Kostner. If the owners are present, a stay includes visits to the contemporary art gallery and the house with its garden.

The Frescoes Suite for two is upstairs on the palace’s first floor, reached up an 18th-century marble staircase. Its bedroom is king-sized with a bathroom, and the apartment includes a kitchen and a living room with a Renzo Piano table, Charles Eames chairs and Le Corbusier armchairs.

Additional features

The on-site contemporary art gallery and garden is open for guest visits when the owners are in residence.

Around

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Mantova, Italy, an architecturally significant city of palaces, churches and theaters, this noble residence joins dozens of other structures in its historical glory. A destination for architecture enthusiasts, Mantova is home to the Reggia of Palazzo Ducale, built between 1300 and 1650, the Castle of the Camera degli Sposi by Andrea Mantegna, completed in 1474, and the Palazzo Te (1524) by Giulio Romano. Mantova’s city center is home to the late 18th-century Palazzo d’Arco, and the city once welcomed a young Mozart, who played at the Basilica of Sant’Andrea which was designed in 1472 by Leon Battista Alberti, who also designed the Temple of San Serbastiano.

Outside the magnificent city, there are more architectural treasures to see, from the Sabbioneta (33km), a Renaissance era “ideal city” and UNESCO site as well, with its own Ducal Palace from 1570 and an ancient theater and galleria from the late 1500s. The Monastery of Polirone di San Benedetto Po is 24 kilometers from the property and designated as one of Italy’s “Most Beautiful Villages,” with a church and abbey by Giulio Romano. The Sigurtà Garden Park, covering 60 hectares and widely regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful parks, is less than 30 kilometers away. Other sites to visit include Borghetto sul Mincio (27km), with its Visconti bridge and characteristic historical mills, and Castellaro Lagusello (32km) is a fortified town from the 11th and 12th centuries that’s also been called one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.

Lake Garda, with its five islands and 370 square meters of glinting waters, is a 36-kilometer drive. It offers thermal baths, the Catullo Caves and sumptuous villas in addition to water sports, hiking/walking, and boat touring activities. And the legendary “Romeo and Juliette” city of Verona is also 36 kilometers from the palace, with its Roman, Medieval, Scaliger and Venetian era architectural gems and its abundance of restaurants, cafes, wineries and tasting rooms.

Location

Mantova, Italy. Nearest airports: Verona (30km), Bologna (80km), Milan’s Bergamo and Linate (100km and 125km, respectively)

Best time to visit

April to October